What is the difference between proofreading and editing?
According to Elsevier (they should know), the terms ‘proofreading’ and ‘editing’ are sometimes used interchangeably, but in fact, there are essential differences between the two.
Proofreading focuses on correcting superficial errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and formatting. Therefore, it usually occurs at the end of the writing process as a final step before submitting a paper which is otherwise ready to be published.
On the other hand, editing takes a more in-depth look at how information and ideas are presented. While editing includes all steps involved in proofreading, the focus is on making changes that make an article easier to understand, better organized, and more suitable for the audience. Because editing is an essential part of formulating a research argument, it occurs multiple times throughout the writing process.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 01 - Target audience is wrong
Papers are not written for the journal’s target audience but instead to ‘please’ their academic advisor or some grant provider. Titles are a key indicator of this and the use of government/education agencies in the abstracts. Furthermore, frequently authors do not clarify where a study’s research was conducted. An example of this is when an author tells a reader their research was conducted in a certain city or province but fails to mention which country these places are in. Authors must remember their target audience is international and global.
Mistake 02 – Lack of matching citations and references
Way too often (80%+), papers are received for editing in which the citations and references do not match. This is a chronic problem.
Mistake 03 – Last name/first name confusion
Many non-native English speakers get confused in their citations and references over what is a first name and what is a last name. Normally when you see two names together, the first word is the first name and the second word is the last name. If there is a comma (,) between the two words, the order is reversed. The Chinese will state their last name first, followed by the given name (may be one or two syllables). For example, Liu Jianguo, in Chinese would be Mr. Jianguo Liu using the Western style. In Thailand, individuals are referred to by their first name. This includes government officials and ministers as well. Seldom does one hear or even know a person’s last name.
Mistake 04 – The abstract is too long and technical
Some abstracts are exceedingly long and technical. Abstracts for publication should be in simple words and easy to understand. Complex equations and statistics turn most editors off!
Mistake 05 – Long lists of non-English references
Do not use long lists of non-English references that do not link to English language papers, research, or online information. Your target audience is reading the journal in English, not another language.
Mistake 06 – Use of full names
Never use full names as citations. Use only the last name(s) of the authors. To the best of our knowledge, MLA is the only style that uses first names (in the references).
Mistake 07 – ‘en dash’
Note the differences in styles of the page numbers in the two examples below. The second style is referred to as 'en dash,' which can be accomplished in Microsoft Word by typing the number, hitting the space bar, the 'dash/minus sign' key, and then another space and finally typing out the final number.
Hyphen and ‘en dash’ comparison: (1)136-162 or (2)138 – 162
Word automatically creates the second example which is required by the proofing editors of jouirnals that require APA. So that you know, the 'em dash' is even longer.
Mistake 08 – Spelling mistakes and no quality control for final copies
At a minimum, use Grammarly’s free service for this. Also, be aware some journals want you to use British English, others, American. Change Microsoft’s Word to spell check for this. Go to ‘Review’, ‘Language’, ‘Language Preferences’, and select either U.K. or U.S. This is very important to some editors.
Mistake 09 – Poor use of English
Journal publishing houses insist you utilize a native speaker’s English proofing assistance so that they do not waste their time with the editing of your paper for their publication. Some journals even require you submit certification of English language editing along with your submission. Although somewhat draconian, the following is an actual requirement from a journal: “Three or more errors on a single page will result in immediate return of the paper to the corresponding author without further review.” - Journal of HospitalityRemember, even native English speakers retain individuals to edit their manuscripts before publication submission. Not having someone help you with this process seems rather shortsighted.
Mistake 10 – Simultaneously submitting to multiple journals
As you know, you should not do this. However, if you are forced to do this because you have run out of time and reached the end of your PhD program, make sure you change your title, and re-write as much of your manuscript as humanly possible. Re-name as many variables as possible and change these in your tables and figures. Try to find different references as well. Like life, what you have to do and what you should do, are often two separate things.
Actual Reviewer Comments
1. The title should be rephrased – heavy for reading and comprehending
2. The abstract should be revised and written in more scientific research style.
3. Paper has too cut structure but lacks the binding logic sentences to make the narrative like smooth one.
4. What is the year of the research and survey?
5. Please, provide analyses of views and definitions as to “critical thinking” – chronology and geography spectra.
6. Were any similar studies before?
7. Any learning can be favourable for xx, but what particular approach could be helpful in training the person to think critically
8. Authors announced MODEL – but there is no model in the text. Please, provide the model itself!
9. The discussion should be not like conclusions!
10. Check on the correspondence with the indicated in the test
11. Good list of references but a few or any Thailand discussing papers, please add.
12. Paper considered very actual and interesting topic that is discussed on the global level.
13. English proofreading is preferable.
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